News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

We commissioned this independent expert legal opinion to assess the legal landscape with respect to the federal government imposing its ‘backstop’ carbon pricing scheme on Manitoba.

The expert opinion concludes the federal government has the constitutional authority to impose its carbon pricing scheme on Manitoba. It also concludes the provincial government has a credible legal avenue in proposing a ‘made-in-Manitoba’ carbon pricing approach that respects our clean energy investments in renewable hydroelectricity and produces effective emissions reductions.

The expert legal opinion received is clear: should Manitoba not act, the federal government can act and impose its carbon pricing plan on Manitoba. There is no doubt Ottawa will do so. The federal government has repeatedly stated its intention to bring about carbon pricing in all provinces beginning in 2018. It has publicly stated it will impose its carbon pricing ‘backstop’ plan on provinces that do not have carbon pricing.

Manitobans will soon be asked to consider a choice between an imposed ‘made-in-Ottawa’ plan with high carbon taxes and federal spending of Manitoba-raised revenue, or a ‘made-in-Manitoba’ climate and green plan that fits Manitoba’s needs and priorities.

I would like to thank Dr. Bryan Schwartz of the University of Manitoba for his excellent scholarly work and independent legal opinion.

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For more information:

Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.